Senator John S. McCain

Congratulations to the graduates of Cactus Shadows High School and Sandra Day O’Connor High School. If there is one thing I can bestow upon you, which I learned from my high school English teacher, football coach, and mentor, William B. Ravenel, it is to believe in yourself. His assurances and yielding ear gave me faith in my abilities, and graceful acknowledgment of my inabilities. Have the courage to believe in yourself, to pursue your ambitions, and become part of a cause greater than yourself. Again, congratulations graduates and best wishes in all your future endeavors!

Senator Jon Kyl

Congratulations on earning your high school diploma.

Many of you wonder how you should approach your future. Of course, there is no one answer. But let me share a thought with you:

It’s better to be prepared than predestined.

That means if you’ve got a good education, if you are willing to work, and if you’re receptive to opportunity, you needn’t worry today that you don’t know exactly what you’ll be doing tomorrow. It’s a matter of putting yourself in a position to capitalize on opportunity when the time comes.

Thomas Jefferson said: “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more of it I have.” In other words, you sometimes make your own luck.

Preparation, hard work, and flexibility–you may not know exactly where you’ll end up, but with these attributes, you position yourself to seize opportunities that present themselves and achieve success.

The essential ingredient here happens to be plain, old, hard work. You’ve already done quite a bit of that. Get ready for more.

But, here’s the interesting thing: It’s in our human nature to gravitate toward what we like to do. And chances are, if you like something, you will be good at it; and that means you’ll be willing to work all the harder at it. It’s that old adage, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Representative John D. “J.D.” Hayworth (District 5)

First of all I’d like to congratulate the Class of 2006 for its outstanding accomplishments and wish you luck in whatever the future holds for each and every one of you. Although this is a major passage in your lives, you will soon find out that there is life after high school. Your life ahead is an empty canvas and it’s time for you to start painting.

A defining moment in my life occurred when I was a junior in high school. On my first trip to Washington, D.C., I visited the monuments, toured the Capitol and listened to a speech by the President in the White House Rose Garden. It was a trip that I’ll never forget and one that inspired me to do whatever it takes to accomplish my goals.

A couple of quick bits of advice. First, don’t be afraid to ask questions as that’s the only way you learn. Secondly, don’t be afraid to fail. All great men and women–George Washington, Sally Ride, Thomas Edison and Margaret Thatcher–failed at times during their lives. But all got up, learned from their mistakes and used that experience to their advantage. I urge you to do the same.

Take care and good luck.

Representative John B. Shadegg (District 3)

The most important lesson I learned in high school was that a world of amazing opportunities lay before me. In a few months, many of you will be starting college. This is a time to look back with pride on what you have already accomplished and experienced. As you move out into the world, your outlook on life and society will continue to grow and develop, but hopefully you have learned it is important to debate issues close to your heart–to try to expand others’ perspectives, and not be surprised if your views change as well. Best wishes for success, happiness and involvement in your community.

Governor Janet Napolitano

What High School Taught Me About Life: A Note to the Class of 2006

Long before I was Governor Napolitano, I was just an 18‑year‑old high school graduate, anxious about what my future would bring. It was a while after my graduation before I realized high school’s most valuable lesson: it was only the beginning. High school gave me the tools for the future, but it was simply step one in a life of learning. I graduated 31 years ago, and I still learn something new every day. Congratulations to the Class of 2006; you’ve earned it. With your graduation, you’re embarking on a lifetime of learning.

Senator Jack W. Harper   (District 4)

In high school, I learned to forgive others and live life to the fullest. Every teenager has moments of personal doubt no matter how strong their faith and family ties are. In high school, situations seem more amplified than they really are. If I could get one point across to a teenager that lacks self‑confidence, it would be: “Hang in there. God can use anyone to do great things.”

Senator Carolyn S. Allen  (District 8)

In high school, I learned the importance of some friendships formed that would remain for life. Place a high value on friends who have shared your youth. As life progresses and, ofttimes, presents challenges unforeseen, having someone who shared good times, and sometimes not so good times, in high school is awfully comforting for moral support along the pathway of life. It has been thus for me.

Four of my high school girl friends and I have kept in touch and are very excited to be planning a trip back to Hannibal, Miss., for our 50th class reunion. (We all still look pretty good–all things considered). We remain a phone call away, and those calls have been made. Best of luck to all of you.

Representative Judy M. Burges (District 4)

Congratulations Graduates!

As you know, you will be receiving your diploma in a commencement program. You are not graduating from learning, but beginning the real life experiences that we all face. That is important to remember as you leave high school and begin the rest of your life. Graduation from high school is the beginning of your life learning experiences. Again, congratulations on achieving this milestone in your life. Never stop learning!

Representative Pamela Gordon (District 6)

My high school years were an important part of my development. The biggest thing I learned was that you choose things in life, and those choices will ultimately define you. You can expand or drastically limit future choices by the choices you make today. For instance, choose to go to class and learn, or choose to cut class and remain sadly at much the same level of cognitive development you started.

When I hear about where the people are now that I knew in high school, there are rarely “surprises” as to the level of achievement people have reached in the nearly 20 years after graduation. That is because young people who never take responsibility for their choices, grow older, and become people who don’t take responsibility for their choices. But, what I liked in high school, was the sense of potential and endless possibilities, still very much within our grasp, if we choose better.

When you graduate, you might find yourself feeling that you are finishing something, but you are really just beginning the part of your life that you will spend the majority of your living days immersed in. Embrace that beginning and leave behind the bad choices. A new start is always right around the corner and anything is possible.

In high school, I saw people completely make themselves over during the four years we attended classes together. It isn’t all that hard. Just choose to learn more. Choose to try harder. Choose to be kinder. Choose to give of yourself. Choose to take care of your health. In the end, your life will be the sum of your own choices and no one else’s. Choose well.

Representative Ted Carpenter (District 6)

What was the most important thing you learned in high school?

What has helped me in life is:

A. Set your goals, and plan how to get there.

B. Do not take yourself too seriously.

How might your life be different if you had dropped out of school?

Totally different. Between high school and college, I stayed out of school for the summer and one semester. I realized a career could be one of backaches (physical labor) or headaches (managerial). Fortunately, I chose to be a fireman and had both backaches and headaches.

What was your most memorable high school experience?

Meeting my wife and dating her throughout high school and college.

How did what you learned in high school help you later in life?

There was a student teacher in high school who introduced a game involving the class, in a mock legislative activity where we were representatives and were assigned bills to pass. Some time during this process I learned the art of negotiating. It was a lot of fun and interesting, and this helped me as a school board member and Legislator.

Senator Dean Martin (District 6)

Congratulations! High school graduation proves you can achieve your goals, and that you are prepared to accept greater responsibilities.

In many ways, we are in a similar situation, because this is my final year in the legislature. It has been an honor to serve you in the Senate.

We live in the greatest country on the planet; opportunity abounds for those willing to work for it.

In fact, we will need another Senator in eight years, and you will be about the same age I was when I first got involved in politics. Are you interested?

Representative Nancy K. Barto (District 7)

High school is certainly a mixed bag of good and bad experiences. Some of the more memorable episodes I recall from Arcadia High were not necessarily positive, but ultimately proved to be valuable.

One vivid memory is being extremely nervous in front of everyone in speech class. Each time I would have to give a presentation I would lose concentration, stammer and perform poorly. I had actually selected the class to “get over” my fear, but it didn’t exactly work out the way I had hoped.

The positive that came out of that was receiving a note (during that speech class) that I had been chosen for a lead in the next dramatic production that year. I went on to perform in many plays and musicals, providing the means to face and overcome my fear.

Since graduating, I have enjoyed many opportunities to serve my community, and even perform occasionally. Each opportunity has its own challenges, but I had gained confidence in the process of facing my fears in high school, establishing a pattern for life that has brought joy and fulfillment.

Representative Ray Barnes (District 7)

How might your life have been different if you had dropped out of school?

I have become firmly convinced that your past significantly, and even under certain circumstances, might absolutely, determine your future. The positive contributions in the past push your life in the positive (right) direction and, of course, the reverse holds true; that negative incidences force your future in the wrong direction.

In what category would you place dropping out of school?

 Is the school dropout the person you look up to for: Wisdom? Leadership? Someone to follow? A success story? Someone to employ?

I graduated from school!!!

Senator Jim Waring  (District 7)

Congratulations Graduates!

You have passed an important milestone. The lessons you have learned in high school will take you far as you face new and exciting challenges in the next phase of your life. As you choose your path, continue to set goals for yourself and work hard to meet them. I know your families and friends join me in saying that we are proud of your accomplishments, and you should all be very proud of yourselves. I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors.

Representative Colette Rosati (District 8)

In my first year of high school, my father lost his job. We moved from Michigan to Ohio. It was scary, but a growing experience.

I complained to my father that my new school did not have a ski club. He told me to start my own. And...so I did. I met with the principal, who told me what I needed to do. I found a teacher to be the sponsor, made announcements, and a new ski club was born. I investigated which ski resorts would discount lift tickets & lessons, plus arranged insurance and bus transportation. We had bake sales, car washes in the summer. Many people from all grades joined and I remained president until graduation. Rather than just complain, it taught me to be a self‑starter. I learned it is important to take action and see things through. I became a nurse. And I never dreamed I would be a state rep!

Representative Michele Reagan (District 8)

Congratulations to the senior class as you embark on a new journey! At this exciting period in your lives, it is important to focus on what your future will hold for you. You can do anything you want to do with your lives. I know that sounds cliché, but it is true. I am proof!

When I first ran for public office, many people told me that I was too young (I was 30 when I started my first campaign). “Why don’t you wait until you are older?” many would say. Well, good thing I didn’t listen! I won my first election and am the youngest female to ever represent District 8.

This is a great time for you. Enjoy it. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. But most importantly, remember that you can make a difference in this world if you choose to. Go get ‘em! Congratulations again.

Representative Tom Boone (District 4)

As the State Representative for Legislative District 4, I am very proud of the seniors in our school districts who have worked so hard for so many years to wear the cap and gown that represents their academic success and graduation. To the seniors in Deer Valley, I extend special recognition. Every senior at Sandra Day O'Connor will graduate this year having passed the AIMS test. Students today face even greater academic challenges than ever before. Their accomplishments have distinguished them as scholars and have made the entire community proud. Congratulations to the Class of 2006.